Peter - As you suggest, when I first started using multiple, striking dummies, I also initially started by using kata movements or isolated movement patterns from within the kata. It worked to a point.
What I have generally found with the Tabata format, is that a decent level of exercise stress seems to occur when you can achieve a minimum of around 15 to 18 strikes per 20 second period.
Needless to say, repetitive striking within discrete, kata patterns can vary considerably depending upon their desired training outcome. As most koryu systems are aimed at training specific mental and behavioral attributes as well as appropriate striking… their timing, spacing, angles of direction, etc. don’t lend those movements well to exercise time frames or the more linear demands of static targets.
Over a period of time I came to the conclusion that the specific actions and behaviors learned with a live adversary within the kata context are best refined within that context.
I use the weapons version of the Tabata Protocol to train speed, strength, impact force, the demands of double and triple striking, etc. This type of training with the striking dummies, particularly with steel blades, is a great way to become accustomed with the feel of using real steel.
The entire training set is about four minutes: 20-second rounds striking, alternated with 10 seconds recovery and prep (we switch hands) for the next round. This is done for eight rounds. When done with intent, heart rate is frequently within the 90% zone and anaerobic demands are beyond what most people are expecting.
Okay, I see what you are saying. This is focused on the physical conditioning. I'll have to see what I can rig up. As you say, real steel feels quite different from typical training equipment. Your pells don't look complicated. Thank you.
Do you think that this would translate to doing koryu kata with 10 second breaks between each one?
Peter - As you suggest, when I first started using multiple, striking dummies, I also initially started by using kata movements or isolated movement patterns from within the kata. It worked to a point.
What I have generally found with the Tabata format, is that a decent level of exercise stress seems to occur when you can achieve a minimum of around 15 to 18 strikes per 20 second period.
Needless to say, repetitive striking within discrete, kata patterns can vary considerably depending upon their desired training outcome. As most koryu systems are aimed at training specific mental and behavioral attributes as well as appropriate striking… their timing, spacing, angles of direction, etc. don’t lend those movements well to exercise time frames or the more linear demands of static targets.
Over a period of time I came to the conclusion that the specific actions and behaviors learned with a live adversary within the kata context are best refined within that context.
I use the weapons version of the Tabata Protocol to train speed, strength, impact force, the demands of double and triple striking, etc. This type of training with the striking dummies, particularly with steel blades, is a great way to become accustomed with the feel of using real steel.
The entire training set is about four minutes: 20-second rounds striking, alternated with 10 seconds recovery and prep (we switch hands) for the next round. This is done for eight rounds. When done with intent, heart rate is frequently within the 90% zone and anaerobic demands are beyond what most people are expecting.
Okay, I see what you are saying. This is focused on the physical conditioning. I'll have to see what I can rig up. As you say, real steel feels quite different from typical training equipment. Your pells don't look complicated. Thank you.